nullmoth/nvidia-macos-driver

What it solves

This project provides a Metal-compatible driver for NVIDIA GPUs (Turing architecture and newer) on Intel Macs and OpenCore-based systems running macOS 15 Sequoia. It enables these GPUs to drive the desktop, run Metal applications and games, and support Core ML, MPS, and OpenCL, effectively making them function like Apple-supported GPUs.

How it works

The driver implements a translation layer that converts Apple's Metal API calls into Vulkan commands. The pipeline follows this flow: Metal app $\rightarrow$ NVMTLDriver.bundle $\rightarrow$ translator (Apple AIR to SPIR-V) $\rightarrow$ NVK (Mesa Vulkan + NAK compiler) $\rightarrow$ kernel extensions $\rightarrow$ GPU.

It utilizes NVIDIA's open GPU kernel modules (r610) and includes specific kernel extensions for the display framebuffer (NVRMFB), acceleration (NVAccel), and display-policy (NVRMAGDC). It also relies on NVIDIA's GSP firmware.

Who it’s for

Users of Intel Macs or PC hardware running macOS 15 Sequoia via OpenCore who own NVIDIA Turing or later GPUs (such as RTX 20, 30, 40, and 50 series) and want hardware acceleration for the OS and AI workloads.

Highlights

• Broad Hardware Support: Supports GTX 16, RTX 20/30/40/50, TITAN RTX, and compatible Quadro/RTX workstation cards.
• Advanced Metal Features: Supports Metal 3, including ray tracing, mesh shaders, argument buffers tier 2, and MetalFX path.
• AI Integration: Enables Core ML and MPS (Metal Performance Shaders) on NVIDIA hardware.
• Comprehensive Tooling: Includes the "1401" Mac app for simplified installation, configuration, and crash reporting.